TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS

ITCH YOU CAN'T SCRATCH

From STIs to chafing, what your itchy testicles REALLY mean (and when you should be worried)

Revealed

EMBARRASSING BODIES

From penis eczema to itchy bottoms, we reveal 7 of the most common male health gripes

She said: “Cocaine is obviously a strong stimulant, and I was curious about lower level stimulants that are more socially acceptable.

“I wondered if they were having a similar impact but to a lesser degree.

“The research we’ve done so far points to an increased risk of injuries with the use of AmED that could be a serious public health concern.

“The stimulant effects of caffeine mask the result that most people get when they drink. Usually when you’re drinking alcohol, you get tired and you go home.

“Energy drinks mask that, so people may underestimate how intoxicated they are, end up staying out later, consume more alcohol, and engage in risky behaviour and more hazardous drinking practices.”

Three of the studies looked at whether risk-taking or sensation-seeking tendencies play a role in injuries associated with AmED use.

2

Experts warn energy drinks mixed with alcohol could be as bad as taking cocaineCredit: Getty Images

Ms Roemer said: “We know that these are risk factors for alcohol-related injuries, and some research has suggested that people who have these traits might prefer the awake-drunk state that you get from mixing alcohol and energy drinks.

“This could be a population that’s at even higher risk for injuries.”

Wide variation between the studies made it difficult to compare results and prevented the researchers from statistically determining the extent of the risk.

Ms Roemer said: “At the end of the day, we looked at all of the studies, but more research is needed to confirm our findings.

“We’re currently running a controlled emergency department study to look at the relationship a little more closely. Hopefully that will bring more answers.

“Our hope is to conduct and facilitate future research in order to identify limitations and get a closer look at the topic to see what’s really going on.”

The findings are published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368

Comments are subject to our community guidelines, which can be viewed here.